On April 29, 2025, the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group 25 (CSG25) passed through the Strait of Gibraltar eastbound, marking the beginning of its global mission, “Operation Highmast.”
This afternoon CSG25 transiting through STROG ⚓️
— Daniel Ferro (@Gibdan1) April 29, 2025
HMS Richmond🇬🇧
HMS Prince of Wales🇬🇧
HMCS Ville de Quebec🇨🇦
HNOMS Roald Amundsen🇳🇴#csg25 #carrier #carrierstrikegroup #navy #royalnavy #ships #shipsinpics @NavyLookout @air_intel @RoyalNavy @WarshipCam @HMSPWLS pic.twitter.com/20JOA3SD1q
Led by the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales (R09), the group also includes the destroyer HMS Dauntless (D33), the frigate HMS Richmond (F239), and an Astute-class submarine.
Other allied units are also part of the CSG, including HMCS Ville de Québec and HNoMS Roald Amundsen.
This deployment is one of the Royal Navy’s most significant in recent years, aimed at strengthening international partnerships and demonstrating the United Kingdom’s global operational capability.
A New Flagship for the Royal Navy
HMS Prince of Wales officially became the Royal Navy’s flagship on December 2, 2024, taking over from her sister ship HMS Queen Elizabeth.
This transition is part of a planned rotation between the two Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, ensuring a continuous and ready naval presence.
Intensive Preparation and International Cooperation
Before deployment, HMS Prince of Wales took part in the “Strike Warrior 24” exercise in the North Sea, alongside air squadrons including F-35B Lightning II jets from the 617 and 809 Squadrons, Merlin Mk2 anti-submarine helicopters, and Wildcat helicopters.
RN Merlín HM2 – ZH837 from HMS Prince of Wales at @RAF_Gib this morning #avgeek #avgeeks #haveglass #aviation #aviationphotography #aviationdaily #planespotting@air_intel #CSG25 @NavyLookout pic.twitter.com/GtYyUpGkL0
— Daniel Ferro (@Gibdan1) April 29, 2025
The exercise tested and refined the strike group’s capabilities in complex scenarios, preparing the crew for joint operations with international allies.
Strategic Goals of Operation Highmast
Operation Highmast is an eight-month mission that will take CSG25 through the Mediterranean, the Suez Canal, and the Indian Ocean to the Indo-Pacific region.
Along the way, the group will participate in NATO’s “Neptune Strike 25” and engage in joint exercises with the navies of India, Singapore, Malaysia, and the United States.
It will also take part in the multinational “Talisman Sabre” exercise in Australia, involving 19 nations.
Group Composition and Operational Capabilities
CSG25 consists of around 2,500 personnel from the UK, Norway, Canada, and Spain, with the number expected to rise to 4,500 during the mission.
HMS Prince of Wales will carry up to 24 F-35B Lightning II fighters, supported by Merlin helicopters for anti-submarine warfare and Wildcats for surveillance and strike missions.
Geopolitical Implications and UK Commitment
This deployment underscores the UK’s commitment to strengthening security and international cooperation, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized that the operation is a unique opportunity for the UK to deepen ties with strategic partners and contribute to global stability.
As CSG25 crosses the Strait of Gibraltar, it enters a crucial phase of its mission—poised to play a key role in contemporary geopolitical dynamics and to demonstrate the UK’s ability to project power and positively influence international security.
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